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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
I'm a big fan of Cat Winters, and while this wasn't her strongest novel, it was still an excellent read. I think this is the first novel I've read that talks about racism and the Klan in a non southern state. Set in Oregon, it was interesting to see the differing perspective. The characters weren't as strongly drawn as they might have been, and the supernatural eke don't felt superfluous, but overall this is a great historical novel.
The Steep & Thorny Way is a modern retelling of Hamlet set in the background of the Prohibition Era. Hanalee, our main protagonist, searches for answers behind her father’s death while danger arises in her city. Who killed Hank Denney and why?
The book, as stated in its synopsis, is somewhat similar to Hamlet in plot. I was very excited to read this novel because of the Hamlet theme (it’s one of my favorite Shakespeare plays), it has a PoC (person of color) lead, and because it was historical fiction. I liked how Winters sets the scene in the novel by including a character list (set up like a play) and fills the pages with pictures of the time period, landscape, and people of the era in between chapters. On top of that, some of the chapters have a Shakespearean theme such as “Where Wilt Thou Lead Me”.
I will admit that I was a that little worried about a Caucasian writer talking about what it was like to be black in the 1920’s, but Winters does extensive research to back up Hanalee’s personal experience. Never does she try to “speak” for her, but she wants the readers to share the character’s experience with readers so that you can empathize with Hanalee.
I also think Winters provides a great suspense story as well as a history lesson in the novel by reminding readers of race relations, religious hypocrisy, the KKK, the eugenics movement, and prohibition of the era. She takes her readers to a turbulent time in history and I appreciate that she didn’t stray away from the bad stuff and didn’t sanitize history. Winters shows in her writing that she dug deep in into her historical research and tells Hanalee’s and others’ stories without overstepping boundaries or being offensive.
As for the writing, the chapters flow and the plot makes sense, but I feel as if Winters just scratches the surface when it comes to her characters. Where are the true backstories of the characters? Winters glosses over the surface, but could stand to dig a bit deeper into their backgrounds. The first quarter of the book was very slow, but the plot finally picks up after 130 pages. While I loved this book it was really hard to get into at first. It was a bit jarring at the beginning and it took some time for the story to weave together and find its commonplace.
I think this book is awesome, but it could benefit from way more character development and more involvement of Hanalee’s ghostly father’s presence rather than popping up here and there. It seems he was just placated in certain spots of the stories and his character wasn’t very consistent.
The book, as stated in its synopsis, is somewhat similar to Hamlet in plot. I was very excited to read this novel because of the Hamlet theme (it’s one of my favorite Shakespeare plays), it has a PoC (person of color) lead, and because it was historical fiction. I liked how Winters sets the scene in the novel by including a character list (set up like a play) and fills the pages with pictures of the time period, landscape, and people of the era in between chapters. On top of that, some of the chapters have a Shakespearean theme such as “Where Wilt Thou Lead Me”.
I will admit that I was a that little worried about a Caucasian writer talking about what it was like to be black in the 1920’s, but Winters does extensive research to back up Hanalee’s personal experience. Never does she try to “speak” for her, but she wants the readers to share the character’s experience with readers so that you can empathize with Hanalee.
I also think Winters provides a great suspense story as well as a history lesson in the novel by reminding readers of race relations, religious hypocrisy, the KKK, the eugenics movement, and prohibition of the era. She takes her readers to a turbulent time in history and I appreciate that she didn’t stray away from the bad stuff and didn’t sanitize history. Winters shows in her writing that she dug deep in into her historical research and tells Hanalee’s and others’ stories without overstepping boundaries or being offensive.
As for the writing, the chapters flow and the plot makes sense, but I feel as if Winters just scratches the surface when it comes to her characters. Where are the true backstories of the characters? Winters glosses over the surface, but could stand to dig a bit deeper into their backgrounds. The first quarter of the book was very slow, but the plot finally picks up after 130 pages. While I loved this book it was really hard to get into at first. It was a bit jarring at the beginning and it took some time for the story to weave together and find its commonplace.
I think this book is awesome, but it could benefit from way more character development and more involvement of Hanalee’s ghostly father’s presence rather than popping up here and there. It seems he was just placated in certain spots of the stories and his character wasn’t very consistent.
A good read and educational historical fiction book about Oregon's race problem. I had no idea Oregon had a Klu Klux problem, let alone withing the last century. I wasn't one hundred percent on the mystic aspect, there was so little magic it felt a lil thrown in there for good measure, but not entirely out of character for the story.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
My knowledge of Shakespearean plays is abysmal, so I didn't read this for the retelling of Hamlet and can offer no comparison between the two. This was a solid story in its own right.
Riveting. Human history is filled with dark and cruel movements and eras. Why do human beings fear those who are different in appearance or behavior? And why does that fear turn into hateful treatment of others? Cat Winters brings a movement and a time to life, intersecting the barbarous treatment of our fellow human beings with the fear and courage of those oppressed.
Book Talk: Question: Was Hank Denney's death an accident or was it murder most foul? [ Or read opening paragraphs for hook]
Book Talk: Question: Was Hank Denney's death an accident or was it murder most foul? [ Or read opening paragraphs for hook]
I really enjoyed the story and got so pissed off at what was happening. Then I got sad and even angrier knowing this same shit is still going on.
This is the second novel I have read by Cat, and I really enjoy her historical references among the fictional stories. This is not a play by play contemporary adaptation of Hamlet. The story is heavily influenced but goes off in its own less tragic direction.
I received this free from the publishers via NetGalley
Hanalee Denney is the daughter of an African American man and a white woman, which is why 1920s Oregon is an unwelcoming and dangerous place for her. The KKK have been gaining more power and more influence. Hatred and fear spread by the KKK are poisoning some of her oldest relationships. Hanalee’s father was killed a year ago by a drunk driver, but when he is released from jail and is back in town, he claims he didn’t kill her father. So now Hanalee, who is now desperate for answers, turns to her fathers accused murderer and her father’s ghost.
I have always been a huge fan of Cat Winters. Her books are very atmospheric with brilliantly written historical settings, made even better alongside many old black and white photos from the time period. I believe The Steep and Thorny Way is Cat Winters best book to date.
Firstly, I was in love with many of the main characters. Hanalee for one, is easy to love. She’s smart, brave, and she tackles her problems head on. There were some great f/f friendships as well. But the friendship I loved most was between Hanalee and Joe. It was fantastic! So well written and complex. A accused murderer and the daughter of the man he had supposedly murdered. Both suffered because they were not deemed to be truly American - Hanalee wasn’t white and Joe wasn’t straight. There were race laws and eugenic laws – compulsory and forced sterilisation on anyone deemed ‘undesirable’. The KKK was gaining more power and more hatred in the area. Lifelong friends were turned into enemies and Oregon was a dangerous place for Hanalee and Joe. A fantastic read with fantastic characters.
I loved the paranormal aspect because it was very subtle and not too ‘in your face’ which sort of added a hint of realism to it. The plot was fast paced and held my attention very well. The Steep and Thorny Way is a book about hope, loyalty, and friendship, but also about hatred, persecution and fear.
Another fantastic novel from Cat Winters! Would definitely recommend to Historical Fiction lovers.
Hanalee Denney is the daughter of an African American man and a white woman, which is why 1920s Oregon is an unwelcoming and dangerous place for her. The KKK have been gaining more power and more influence. Hatred and fear spread by the KKK are poisoning some of her oldest relationships. Hanalee’s father was killed a year ago by a drunk driver, but when he is released from jail and is back in town, he claims he didn’t kill her father. So now Hanalee, who is now desperate for answers, turns to her fathers accused murderer and her father’s ghost.
I have always been a huge fan of Cat Winters. Her books are very atmospheric with brilliantly written historical settings, made even better alongside many old black and white photos from the time period. I believe The Steep and Thorny Way is Cat Winters best book to date.
Firstly, I was in love with many of the main characters. Hanalee for one, is easy to love. She’s smart, brave, and she tackles her problems head on. There were some great f/f friendships as well. But the friendship I loved most was between Hanalee and Joe. It was fantastic! So well written and complex. A accused murderer and the daughter of the man he had supposedly murdered. Both suffered because they were not deemed to be truly American - Hanalee wasn’t white and Joe wasn’t straight. There were race laws and eugenic laws – compulsory and forced sterilisation on anyone deemed ‘undesirable’. The KKK was gaining more power and more hatred in the area. Lifelong friends were turned into enemies and Oregon was a dangerous place for Hanalee and Joe. A fantastic read with fantastic characters.
I loved the paranormal aspect because it was very subtle and not too ‘in your face’ which sort of added a hint of realism to it. The plot was fast paced and held my attention very well. The Steep and Thorny Way is a book about hope, loyalty, and friendship, but also about hatred, persecution and fear.
Another fantastic novel from Cat Winters! Would definitely recommend to Historical Fiction lovers.
The aspect of the supernatural was something I kind of liked, and yet felt that it was too convenient an explanation.